"Sad" Ronaldo sparks speculation over Real future

Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after scoring his first goal during the Spanish League football match Real Madrid vs Granada on Sept 02, 2012 at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid. -- PHOTO: AFP

MADRID (AFP) - Real Madrid star striker Cristiano Ronaldo sparked a storm of media speculation over his future on Monday by saying he was 'sad' at the club.

Ronaldo scored a brace in Madrid's 3-0 win over Granada on Sunday but did not celebrate either goal.

Quizzed by reporters after the game at the Santiago Bernabeu, he said: "It could be because I am a bit sad. That is the only reason. When I don't celebrate goals, I am not happy." Ronaldo was elusive about the reasons for his unhappiness, saying only that it was professional rather than personal. "I am not going to say more. People know why," he was quoted as saying in the media.

Asked if he was upset because Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta was crowned Uefa Best Player in Europe on Thursday, he replied: "No, it's not that. There are more important things." Iniesta deserved the award, he added.